Tag: Medications

5-aminolevulinic acid is an endogenous precursor of protoporphyrin IX, which is a photosensitiser.

Uses

ALA is used topically in conjunction with blue light illumination for the treatment of some grades of actinic keratoses of the face and scalp.

Dosage

ALA solution is applied topically. It is not intended for application by patients or unqualified practitioners. Application should involve either scalp or face lesions, but not both simultaneously.

Application

ALA topical solution must be applied immediately following preparation of the solution because of the instability of the activated product. Discard the prepared solution after 2 hours. Stenlake Compounding Chemist can supply the following products on prescription:

*5-ALA Creams 2.5g in 5%, 10% or 20%

*5-ALA Solutions 1.5ml in 5%, 10% or 20%

All forms are supplied with diluent or base, connector, and all required materials including instruction leaflet.

Minoxidil 5% solution is compounded usually with various strengths of Retinoic Acid 0.01% to 0.025% 100ml. Minoxidil is also available in a 1 mg oral capsule for the treatment of alopecia. Contact your physician or Stenlake Compounding Chemist for more information.

As a veterinary product, Stenlake Compounding Chemist can supply clomipramine in various strengths and dosage forms such as capsules, liquids or even transdermal gels where commercial products are not available.

5-aminolevulinic acid is an endogenous precursor of protoporphyrin IX, which is a photosensitiser. The medication ALA is used topically in conjunction with blue light illumination for the treatment of some grades of actinic keratoses of the face and scalp. ALA solution is applied topically. It is not intended for application by patients or unqualified practitioners. Application should involve either scalp or face lesions, but not both simultaneously. Contact your cosmetic dermatologist for more information.

A large proportion of our community don’t receive enough exposure to sunshine to sustain recommended levels of Vitamin D in the body, especially during the winter months. Oral supplementation with higher-dose capsules is common place now, and there is a huge body of evidence showing the many health benefits of this vitamin.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that assists with calcium homeostasis and absorption in the gut, assists with the conversion of T4 to T3, helps the pancreas release insulin and is even necessary for blood clotting.

The 25-hydroxy D is the form that is tested by pathology labs – with a normal range of 50 to 140 nmol/L. Aiming for levels in the top one-third of this normal range is ideal.

A prescription is required for this medication for doses over 1,000IU.

USES AND ACTIONS

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor of serotonin. CNS depletion of serotonin is considered to be involved in depression, and tryptophan has a role in the treatment of some cases. Compounding Chemists will compound L-tryptophan or 5-HTP according to individual patient prescriptions, where commercial products are not available. Prescriptions are required for this medication.

ABSORPTION AND METABOLISM

Tryptophan is readily absorbed form the gastrointestinal tract and is extensively bound to serum albumin. It is metabolised to 5-HT then to serotonin and eventually excreted in the urine. Pyridoxine and ascorbic acid are involved in its metabolism.

PRECAUTIONS

Concomitant administration of tryptophan and a MAOI may enhance the effects of the MAOI.